Heel Protector Packaging with Integrated Calf Sizing Device

ABSTRACT

A system (400) includes a package (401). A heel protector (402) is disposed within the package. The heel protector includes a leg engaging section (101) defining a leg insertion aperture (104), a fastener coupled to a first side of the leg engaging section, and a complementary fastener coupled to a second side of the leg engaging section. A measurement device (404) is incorporated into, but separable from, the package. The measurement device indicates whether the leg engaging section will fit a patient calf (302).

BACKGROUND Technical Field

This disclosure relates generally to packages, and more particularly to packages for heel protectors.

Background Art

Limb protection devices, including boots, braces, wraps, socks, sleeves, and the like are used to protect a patient's limbs. These devices can be used for a variety of reasons, including limb elevation, limb pressure alleviation, limb protection, and limb strengthening.

While many of these devices work reasonably well in practice, problems with their usage exist. When used incorrectly, these devices can sometimes lead to skin breakdown or the formation of pressure ulcers. Where this occurs, the therapeutic device creates new medical conditions that must be treated while aiding in the rehabilitation of previously existing conditions. These new issues only serve to extend the overall rehabilitation time for the patient. It would be advantageous to have a new system able to reduce the incidence of incorrect usage of such devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views and which together with the detailed description below are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and to explain various principles and advantages all in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 illustrates one explanatory heel protector in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates one explanatory packaging system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates one explanatory measurement device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure in use.

FIG. 4 illustrates one explanatory system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates another explanatory system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates one explanatory system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates another explanatory system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates yet another explanatory system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates still another explanatory system in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates one explanatory measurement device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 11 illustrates another explanatory measurement device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 12 illustrates another explanatory measurement device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 13 illustrates still another explanatory measurement device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 14 illustrates yet another explanatory measurement device in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 15 illustrates various embodiments of the disclosure.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the disclosure are now described in detail. Referring to the drawings, like numbers indicate like parts throughout the views. As used in the description herein and throughout the claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise: the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.” Relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities or actions.

As used herein, the terms “substantially” and “about” are used to refer to dimensions, orientations, or alignments inclusive of manufacturing tolerances. Thus, a “substantially orthogonal” angle with a manufacturing tolerance of plus or minus two degrees would include all angles between 88 and 92, inclusive. Also, reference designators shown herein in parenthesis indicate components shown in a figure other than the one in discussion. For example, talking about a device (10) while discussing figure A would refer to an element, 10, shown in figure other than figure A.

Embodiments of the disclosure contemplate that a problem associated with prior art heel protectors is that instead of providing comfort and support for a wounded limb, they can exacerbate conditions when they are improperly fit. For example, an improperly fitting heel protector may lead to skin breakdown or pressure ulcers when they do not fit properly. Issues can arise when the heel protector is too large or too small.

Ideally, a health care services provider should measure the patient's calf to determine what size heel protector to use. After this calf measurement is made, the health care services provider should request an appropriately sized heel protector.

Embodiments of this disclosure contemplate, however, that this rarely happens in practice. Frequently, and simply due to a lack of time or lack of tools, a health care services provider will guess the proper size of heel protector and apply the guessed size to the patient's limb. If it does not fit, they may improvise by attempting to twist, fold, or otherwise manipulate an ill-fitting heel protector to situate it about the patient's limb. This manipulation increases the risk of medical conditions associated with the ill-fitting heel protector arising.

Additionally, if the heel protector is too large, it can slide up and down or around the patient's leg. Such sliding can lead to the formation of undesirable pressure points. Proper protection of a patient's heel and foot generally cannot be achieved with an ill-fitting heel protector. The manipulation of an ill-fitting heel protector is not only uncomfortable for the patient, but costly as well due to the fact that it can lead to conditions such as blistering or skin ulcers.

Advantageously, embodiments of the disclosure provide a heel protector system where a package disposed about the heel protector includes an integrated measurement device that is incorporated into, but separable from, the package. The measurement device indicates whether a patient leg, and more particularly a calf of a patient leg, is properly sized for the heel protector disposed within the package. Advantageously, rather than having to carry around a ruler, a health care services provider can simply separate the measurement device from the package to confirm whether the heel protector is properly sized for the patient's leg.

In one or more embodiments, a heel protector is disposed within a package. The heel protector includes a leg engaging section defining a leg insertion aperture. The heel protector also includes a fastener coupled to a first side of the leg engaging section. In one or more embodiments, the fastener has a predefined length.

In one or more embodiments, a complementary fastener is coupled to the second side of the leg engaging section. The complementary fastener is configured to couple to the fastener when the fastener spans the leg insertion aperture.

A measurement device is integrated into, but separable from, the package. For example, when the package is configured as a box, the measurement device can be incorporated into a major face of the box. Where the box is a cardboard box, for instance, one or more perforations can be disposed between the measurement device and the major face. Accordingly, a health care services provider can separate the measurement device from the major face by tearing the perforations.

Alternatively, in another embodiment, a tab can extend from the box. Where this is the case, the tab can comprise the measurement device. Again, one or more perforations can be disposed between the tab and the box. A health care services provider can separate the tab from the box by tearing the perforations. They can then use the measurement device to measure the calf of a patient to confirm whether the heel protector is properly sized for the patient. Other configurations in which the measurement device is integrated into the packaging will be described below. Still others will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

Turning now to FIG. 1, illustrated therein is one explanatory heel protector 100 configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The heel protector 100 includes a leg engaging section 101 and a foot engaging section 102. The leg engaging section 101 intersects the foot engaging section 102 at a heel receiver 103. The leg engaging section 101 and the foot engaging section 102 have defined therealong a leg insertion aperture 104. A patient's leg can be inserted into the heel protector 100 through the leg insertion aperture 104.

In one or more embodiments, the heel protector 100 includes one or more fasteners, shown here as fastening straps 105,106,107,108 extending from the sides of the leg engaging section 101, the foot engaging section, or combinations thereof. For example, in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1 the heel protector 100 has four fastening straps 105,106,107,108 extending from its sides.

In one or more embodiments, at least one fastener is coupled to, and extends from, a first side of the leg engaging section 101. In this illustrative embodiment, each of fastening strap 105, fastening strap 106, and fastening strap 108 are coupled to, and extend distally from, the first side of the leg insertion aperture 104 of the leg engaging section 101 of the heel protector 100. By contrast, fastening strap 107 is coupled to, and extends distally from, the second side of the leg insertion aperture 104 of the foot engaging section 102 of the heel protector 100.

In one embodiment, each fastener has a predefined length. Illustrating by example, each of fastening strap 105 and fastening strap 106 can have a length of six inches, eight inches, ten inches, or other dimensions. Similarly, fastening strap 107 and fastening strap 108 have a predefined length. In one embodiment, fastening strap 107 and fastening strap 108 are the same predefined length as are fastening straps 105,106. In another embodiment, fastening strap 107 and fastening strap 108 are longer than either fastening strap 105 or fastening strap 106. In still another embodiment, fastening strap 107 and fastening strap 108 are shorter than either fastening strap 105 or fastening strap 106.

In this illustrative embodiment, fastening strap 107 is coupled to a second side of the insertion aperture 104 of the heel protector 100. While fastening strap 107 could be coupled to the second side of the leg engaging section 101, to show a variation in this embodiment fastening strap is coupled to the base of the foot engaging section 102. This configuration allows the fastening strap 107 to selectively “criss-cross” one or more of fastening strap 105, fastening strap 106, or fastening strap 108 as desired by a health care services provider. In this illustrative embodiment, three fastening straps 106,107,108 extend from the medial side 109 of the heel protector 100, while one fastening strap 105 extends from the lateral side 110 of the heel protector 100. This configuration is illustrative only, as other configurations and placements of the fastening straps 105,106,107,108 will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

In one or more embodiments, the fastening straps 105,106,107,108 are stretchable. For example, they may comprise an elasticized material configured to stretch when being wrapped about the leg insertion aperture 104. In another embodiment, the fastening straps 105,106,107,108 are not stretchable, but are rather material layers that are fixed in a predefined length and do not change when being wrapped about the leg insertion aperture 104. The fastening straps 105,106,107,108 are affixed to the heel protector 100 by stitching in one embodiment. Other coupling techniques will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

In one embodiment, each of the fastening straps 105,106,107,108 comprises one of a hook fastener or a loop fastener disposed therealong. Illustrating by example, fastening strap 105 may have hook fasteners disposed along one side. To complete the fastening system, in one embodiment the leg engaging section 101 includes one or more panels 112 that have a complementary fastener disposed along an opposite side of the leg engaging section 101. Where, for example, fastening strap 105 includes hook fasteners, and is disposed on a first side of the leg engaging section 101, corresponding panel 112 may have loop fasteners disposed along the second side of the leg engaging section 101, as the loop fasteners are complementary to the hook fasteners.

The complementary fastener couples to the fastener when the fastener spans the leg insertion aperture 104. Illustrating by example, when fastening strap 105 is wrapped across the leg insertion aperture 104 so as to span the same, it couples to the complementary fastener of the panel 112. Accordingly, fastening strap 105 can be attached anywhere along panel 112.

The same is true with fastening straps 106,107,108 attaching to another panel on the opposite side of the leg engaging section 101 (fastening strap 108 is attached to this other panel in FIG. 1). While hook and loop fasteners are one type of fastener or attachment mechanism suitable for use with embodiments of the invention, it should be noted that others will be obvious to those having ordinary skill in the art and the benefit of this disclosure. For example, the hook and loop fasteners can be replaced by laces, snaps, buttons, drawstrings, or other fastening devices. Each of these can serve as a fastener or complementary fastener.

In one embodiment, the interior lining 114 of the heel protector is soft and comfortable. For example, in one embodiment the interior lining 114 can be fleece or another soft material. In another embodiment, the interior lining 114 can be felt or chamois. Other interior linings will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

In one embodiment, the interior lining 114 has a relatively high coefficient of friction so that the heel protector 100 does not move when wrapped about a patient's limb or compression device attached thereto. For example, the interior lining 114 can be brushed, napped or sanded to raise its pile for comfort and increase the coefficient of friction. In one embodiment, the interior lining 114 has an antibacterial, antimicrobial, or anti-odor material integrated therein to help reduce the risk of bacteria, microbes, or odors from existing in the interior of the heel protector 100 after prolonged use. The interior lining 114 can also be manufactured from a wicking material. The exterior 116 of the heel protector 100 may be water resistant or waterproof as desired. In one embodiment, the interior of the heel protector 100 can be constructed from a cooling material, such as a gel that can be cooled to apply thermal therapy to the patient.

In one or more embodiments, the heel protector 100 of FIG. 1 comes in at least three sizes. For example, the heel protector 100 can come in a petite, a standard, and an extra large size in one embodiment. In one or more embodiments, the size of the heel protector 100, as well as the predefined length of at least one fastening strap of the various fastening straps 105,106,107,108 is a function of the size of a patient's calf circumference. This will be explained in further detail below with reference to FIG. 3.

Turning now to FIG. 2, illustrated therein is a package 200 into which the heel protector (100) of FIG. 1, or alternatively another heel protector, can be disposed. Said differently, the heel protector (100) of FIG. 1 or another heel protector can be situated or placed within the package 200 in one or more embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 2, the package 200 includes a measurement device 201. The measurement device 201 is incorporated into, but separable from the package 200. For example, in the attached state 202 of the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 2, the measurement device 201 is integrated into a major face 204 of the package 200. A perforation 205 is disposed between the measurement device 201 and the package 200. In one embodiment, the perforation 205 circumscribes the measurement device 201, passing across the major face 204 and about three edges of the package 200. Where the measurement device 201 is more centrally disposed along the major face 204 of the package 200 and the perforation 205 circumscribes the measurement device 201, the perforation will bound the measurement device 201, touching it at all points by passing along the major face 204 without cutting the measurement device 201.

As shown in the separated state 203, the measurement device 201 can be separated from the package 200 in one or more embodiments. In this illustration, a health care services provider tears the perforation 205 to separate the measurement device 201 from the package 200. When this occurs, the health care services provider can use the measurement device 201 to measure the calf of a patient to ensure that the heel protector disposed within the package 200 is the proper size for the patient, as shown in FIG. 3.

Turning now to FIG. 3, a health care services provider 301 is using the measurement device 201 to measure the calf 302 of a patient 300. Recall from above that the heel protector (100) of FIG. 1 can be manufactured in at least three sizes. The size of the heel protector (100), as well as the predefined length of at least one fastening strap of the various fastening straps (105,106,107,108), can be a function of the size of a patient's calf circumference 303.

Illustrating by example, the heel protector (100) can come in a petite, a standard, and an extra large size in one embodiment. In one or more embodiments, a petite heel protector is designed to fit a patient 300 when the calf circumference 303 is between five and eleven inches. In one or more embodiments, a standard heel protector is designed to fit a patient 300 when the calf circumference 303 is between eleven and nineteen inches. In one or more embodiments, an extra large heel protector is designed to fit a patient 300 when the calf circumference 303 is between nineteen and twenty-five inches. These measurements are illustrative only, as others will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

Advantageously, using the measurement device 201 to measure the calf 302 of the patient 300 allows the health care services provider 301 to determine whether the heel protector disposed within the package (200) from which the measurement device 201 was taken is properly sized for the patient 300. If, for example, the heel protector disposed within the package (200) was a petite heel protector, and the calf circumference 303 of the calf 302 of the patient 300 were fourteen inches, the health care services provider 301 would instantly know that the heel protector was too small. Accordingly, they would need to request a larger heel protector. By contrast, the heel protector disposed within the package (200) was a standard heel protector, the health care services provider 301 would instantly know that the heel protector was properly sized and could be applied to the patient's leg.

Advantageously, as shown in FIG. 3, the measurement device 201 indicates whether a patient leg, when inserted into the leg engaging section (101) of a heel protector (100) will allow one or more of the fastener, e.g., fastening straps (105,106,107,108), when coupled to the complementary fastener, e.g., panel (112), to span the leg insertion aperture (104) with a span distance within a predefined span distance range.

Turning back to FIG. 1, such a predefined span distance 115 is shown. In one or more embodiments, the predefined span distance 115 is within a predefined span distance range of between one and six inches. In another embodiment, the predefined span distance 115 is within a predefined span distance range of between two and five inches. In another embodiment, the predefined span distance 115 is within a predefined span distance range of between three and four inches. These predefined span distance range examples are illustrative only, as others will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

Turning now to FIG. 4, illustrated therein is one explanatory system 400 configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The system 400 includes a package 401 and a heel protector 402. The heel protector 402 is disposed within the package 401. A picture of the heel protector 402 is disposed on a major face 403 of the package 401.

In this illustrative embodiment, the package 401 comprises a box. The box can be manufactured from a variety of materials. For instance, in one embodiment the box is manufactured from cardboard. In another embodiments, the box is manufactured from a thermoplastic material. In another embodiment, the box is manufactured from paper. Other materials from which the box can be manufactured will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

In this illustrative embodiment, a measurement device 404 is incorporated into, but separable from, the box. For example, in one embodiment the measurement device 404 can be a thermoplastic strip that is adhesively or otherwise attached to a major face 403 of the box. In such an embodiment, the measurement device 404 can simply be peeled from the major face 403 of the box for use.

In another embodiment, the measurement device 404 is incorporated into the major face 403 of the box such that the measurement device 404 defines a portion of the major face 403. For example, the measurement device 404 can be coextensive with the major face 403 of the box and segregated from the major face 403 with a perforation 405 as previously described. A health care services provider can then tear the perforation to separate the measurement device 404 from the major face 403 of the box. Thus, in one or more embodiments the measurement device 404 is coupled to other portions of the major face 403 by a perforation 405.

A health care services provider (301) can use the measurement device 404 to measure the calf (302) of a patient (300) to determine whether the heel protector 402 disposed within the package 401 is properly sized for the patient (300) due to the fact that the measurement device 404 indicates whether a patient leg, when inserted into the leg engaging section of the heel protector 402 will allow a fastener, when coupled to the complementary fastener, to span the leg insertion aperture with a span distance within a predefined span distance range.

Turning now to FIG. 5, illustrated therein is another explanatory system 500 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. As was the case with the system (400) of FIG. 4, the system 500 of FIG. 5 includes a package 501 and a heel protector 502. The heel protector 502 is disposed, i.e., placed or situated, within the package 501. A picture of the heel protector 502 is disposed on a major face 503 of the package 501. As before, in this illustrative embodiment, the package 401 comprises a box.

In this illustrative embodiment, a tab 504 extends distally from an edge of the box. In one or more embodiments, the tab 504 comprises a measurement device 505 indicating whether a patient leg, when inserted into the leg engaging section of the heel protector 402, will allow a fastener, when coupled to a complementary fastener, to span a leg insertion aperture of the heel protector 502 with a span distance that is within a predefined span distance range.

In one embodiment, the measurement device 505 is coupled to the tab 504 by a perforation 506. A health care services provider can then tear the perforation 506 to separate the measurement device 505 from the tab 504. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the tab 504 itself can be coupled to the box by a perforation located at edge 507. A health care services provider can then tear the perforation at the edge 507 to separate the tab 504, and its included measurement device 505, from the box. In either case, a health care services provider (301) can use the measurement device 505 to measure the calf (302) of a patient (300) to determine whether the heel protector 502 disposed within the package 501 is properly sized for the patient (300) due to the fact that the measurement device 505 indicates whether a patient leg, when inserted into the leg engaging section of the heel protector 502 will allow a fastener, when coupled to the complementary fastener, to span the leg insertion aperture with a span distance within a predefined span distance range.

Turning now to FIG. 6, illustrated therein is another explanatory system 600 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The system 600 of FIG. 6 includes a package 601 and a heel protector 602. The heel protector 602 is disposed, i.e., placed or situated, within the package 601.

In this embodiment, the package 601 comprises a thermoplastic bag. The thermoplastic bag in this illustrative embodiment is clear so that the heel protector 602 disposed therein can be seen from the exterior of the thermoplastic bag. While the bag is manufactured from a flexible thermoplastic in this embodiment, it could also be manufactured from other materials, such as vinyl, paper, synthetic, organic, or synthetic/organic fibers, and so forth. Other suitable materials from which a bag can be manufactured will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

In this illustrative embodiment, a measurement device 603 is incorporated into, but separable from, the thermoplastic bag. For example, in one embodiment the measurement device 603 can be a flexible strip that is adhesively or otherwise attached to a major face 604 of the box. In such an embodiment, the measurement device 603 can simply be peeled from the major face 604 of the thermoplastic bag for use.

In another embodiment, the measurement device 603 can be disposed within the thermoplastic bag along with the heel protector 602. For example, a measurement device 603 may be wrapped about the heel protector 606 such that a health care services provider can simply remove it from the heel protector 602 to measure a patient calf circumference prior to applying the heel protector 602 to a patient leg.

In one embodiment, the measurement device 603 is incorporated into the major face 604 of the thermoplastic bag such that the measurement device 603 defines a portion of the major face 604. For example, the measurement device 603 can be coextensive with the major face 604 of the box and segregated from the major face 604 with a perforation 605 as previously described. A health care services provider can then tear the perforation 605 to separate the measurement device 603 from the thermoplastic bag. The measurement device 603 indicates whether a calf circumference (303) of a patient leg, when the patient leg is inserted into the leg engaging section of the heel protector 602, will allow a fastener, when coupled to a complementary fastener, to span the leg insertion aperture of the heel protector 602 with the span distance that is within a predefined span distance range.

Turning now to FIG. 7, illustrated therein is another explanatory system 700 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. As was the case with the system (600) of FIG. 6, the system 700 of FIG. 7 includes a package 701 and a heel protector 702. The heel protector 702 is disposed, i.e., placed or situated, within the package 701. As before, the package 701 comprises a thermoplastic bag.

In this illustrative embodiment, a tab 704 extends distally from an edge of the thermoplastic bag. In one or more embodiments, the tab 704 comprises a measurement device 703 indicating whether a patient leg, when inserted into the leg engaging section of the heel protector 702, will allow a fastener, when coupled to a complementary fastener, to span a leg insertion aperture of the heel protector 702 with a span distance that is within a predefined span distance range.

In one embodiment, the measurement device 703 is coupled to the tab 704 by a perforation. A health care services provider can then tear the perforation to separate the measurement device 703 from the tab 704. The measurement device 703 indicates whether a calf circumference (303) of a patient leg, when the patient leg is inserted into the leg engaging section of the heel protector 702, will allow a fastener, when coupled to a complementary fastener, to span the leg insertion aperture of the heel protector 702 with the span distance that is within a predefined span distance range.

Alternatively, in another embodiment, the tab 704 itself can be coupled to the thermoplastic bag by a perforation 705. A health care services provider can then tear the perforation 705 to separate the tab 704, and its included measurement device 703, from the box. In either case, a health care services provider (301) can use the measurement device 703 to measure the calf (302) of a patient (300) to determine whether the heel protector 702 disposed within the package 701 is properly sized for the patient (300).

Turning now to FIG. 8, illustrated therein is another explanatory system 800 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. The system 800 of FIG. 8 includes a package 701 and a heel protector 802. The heel protector 802 is disposed, i.e., placed or situated, within the package 801.

In this illustrative embodiment, the package 801 comprises drawstring bag. The drawstring bag can be manufactured from a variety of materials. In one embodiment, the drawstring bag is manufactured from organic fibers. For example, the drawstring bag can be manufactured from cotton or linen in one embodiment. In other embodiments, the drawstring bag is manufactured from synthetic fibers, such as nylon. Of course, a combination of synthetic fibers and organic fibers can be used as well. In still other embodiments, the drawstring bag is manufactured from a thermoplastic material. Other materials from which the drawstring bag can be manufactured will be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

In one or more embodiments, the drawstring bag is cinchable by a drawstring 803. In one or more embodiments, the drawstring 803 defines a measurement device. A health care services provider can remove the drawstring 803 from the drawstring bag to measure the calf circumference (303) of a patient leg. Alternatively, the health care services provider may leave the drawstring 803 attached to the drawstring bag and pass the patient leg through the drawstring loop 805 to measure the calf circumference (303).

In one embodiment the drawstring 803 comprises one or more demarcations indicating whether a leg engaging section of the heel protector 802 will fit a patient leg calf. For example, where the heel protector 802 is a petite heel protector, the demarcations 804 indicate whether the calf circumference (303) is between five and eleven inches. If it is, the heel protector 802 is properly sized for the patient leg. If not, a larger heel protector will be required.

Similarly, where the heel protector 802 is a standard heel protector, the demarcations 804 indicate whether the calf circumference (303) is between eleven and nineteen inches. If it is, the heel protector 802 is properly sized for the patient leg. If not, a larger or smaller heel protector will be required. Where the heel protector 802 is an extra large heel protector, the demarcations 804 indicate whether the calf circumference (303) is between nineteen and twenty-five inches. If it is, the heel protector 802 is properly sized for the patient leg. If not, a smaller heel protector will be required.

Turning now to FIG. 9, in one or more embodiments a plurality of heel protector systems 901,902,903,904, each comprising a measurement device 905,906,907,908 that is attached to, but separable from, its corresponding heel protector system 901,902,903,904, can be placed within a larger container 909. This allows the plurality of heel protector systems 901,902,903,904 to be shipped to an end user, with each heel protector system 901,902,903,904 having its own measurement device 905,906,907,908. Accordingly, FIG. 9 illustrates a second package, i.e., container 909, enclosing at least two packages enclosing heel protectors and comprising the measurement device.

In one or more embodiments, each heel protector system 901,902,903,904 can have two, three, four, or more measurement devices 905,906,907,908 attached to, but separable from, its corresponding package. This advantageously allows one or more of the measurement devices to remain attached to its corresponding package after another measurement device has been used. If, for example, four measurement devices 905,906,907,908 are attached to each package, when a health care services provider uses one and discovers that the corresponding heel protector is not properly sized, three will remain for other health care services providers to determine if the heel protector fits another patient. Thus, the inclusion of four measurement devices 905,906,907,908 allows for “three strikes” where the heel protector does not properly fit without running out of measurement devices 905,906,907,908.

Turning now to FIG. 10, illustrated therein is a first example of a measurement device 1000 configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. In FIG. 10, the measurement device 1000 is configured as a ruler with one or more demarcations 1001 indicating a number of units, which are inches in this example.

As noted above, in one or more embodiments a heel protector can come in a petite, a standard, and an extra large size. In one or more embodiments, a petite heel protector is designed to fit a patient (300) when the calf circumference (303) is between five and eleven inches. In one or more embodiments, a standard heel protector is designed to fit a patient (300) when the calf circumference (303) is between eleven and nineteen inches. In one or more embodiments, an extra large heel protector is designed to fit a patient (300) when the calf circumference (303) is between nineteen and twenty-five inches. Advantageously, by configuring the measurement device 1000 as a ruler, the measurement device 1000 indicates whether the calf circumference (3030) is between five and eleven inches, eleven and nineteen inches, or nineteen and twenty-five inches when wrapped about the patient calf (302) as shown in FIG. 3.

Turning now to FIG. 11, illustrated therein is another example of a measurement device 1100 configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. In FIG. 11, the measurement device 1100 is again configured as a ruler with one or more demarcations indicating a number of units, which are inches in this example.

To make things easier for the health care provider, a number of circumference measurements 1101,1102,1103 are provided along the face of the measurement device 1100. As noted above, the heel protector situated within the package to which the measurement device 1100 is attached can include a leg engaging section (101) having at least one fastener spanning a leg insertion aperture (104) to engage a complementary fastener. When this occurs, the leg engaging section (101) and the at least one fastener define an interior circumference that is within a predefined range. In one embodiment, this predefined range is one of three predefined ranges: A first predefined range is between five and eleven inches, a second predefined range is within eleven and nineteen inches, and a third predefined range is between nineteen and twenty-five inches.

In this illustrative embodiment, the circumference measurements 1101,1102,1103 indicate whether a patient leg calf circumference (303) will allow the leg engaging section (101) and the at least one fastener, e.g., fastening strap (105), when coupled to the complementary fastener disposed on panel (112), will define the interior circumference that within the predefined range. To wit, the circumference measurements 1101,1102,1103 indicate that an interior circumference of between five and eleven inches is proper for a petite heel protector, an interior circumference of between eleven and nineteen inches is proper for a standard heel protector, and an interior circumference of between nineteen and twenty-five inches is proper for an extra large heel protector.

Turning now to FIG. 12, illustrated therein is another measurement device 1200 configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. As with each of the measurement devices described herein, the measurement device 1200 of FIG. 12 is configured to wrap about the leg of a patient. The measurement device 1200 is configured to indicate whether a patient leg calf circumference (303) will allow a leg engaging section (101) and at least one fastener of a heel protector (100), when the fastener is coupled to a complementary fastener of the heel protector (100), to define an internal circumference within a predefined range. Here the predefined range is one of three predefined ranges: A first predefined range is between five and eleven inches, a second predefined range is within eleven and nineteen inches, and a third predefined range is between nineteen and twenty-five inches.

In this illustrative embodiment, the measurement device 1200 is manufactured from a non-stretchable material. The measurement device 1200 can be manufactured from one or more sheets of plastic, neoprene, rubber, foam, felt, polymers, resins, and/or natural fabric materials. As with each of the measurement devices described herein, the measurement device 1200 is coupled to, but separable from, a package, be it a box, a bag, a drawstring bag, or other package.

The measurement device 1200 has a major face, a first side edge 1205, and a second side edge 1206. To make things easier for the health care provider, a number of circumference measurements 1201,1202,1203 are provided along the face of the measurement device 1200. The circumference measurements 1201,1202,1203 indicate whether a patient leg calf circumference (303) will allow the leg engaging section (101) and the at least one fastener, e.g., fastening strap (105), when coupled to the complementary fastener disposed on panel (112), will define the interior circumference that within the predefined range. Accordingly, the circumference measurements 1201,1202,1203 indicate that an interior circumference of between five and eleven inches is proper for a petite heel protector, an interior circumference of between eleven and nineteen inches is proper for a standard heel protector, and an interior circumference of between nineteen and twenty-five inches is proper for an extra large heel protector.

In this illustrative embodiment, each circumference measurement 1201,1202,1203 defines a measurement scale. For example, circumference measurement 1201 comprises two longitudinal boundaries: first edge 1205 and reference line 1207. These boundaries identify a range within which the second edge 1206 should position for the corresponding heel protector to provide an appropriate fit when the measurement device 1200 is wrapped about a patient calf (302) as shown in FIG. 3. Accordingly, when the measurement device 1200 is wrapped about the patient calf (302) and the second edge 1206 is pulled to abut the major face of the measurement device, the proper size of heel protector is indicated where by within which range the second edge 1206 contacts.

If, for example, the measurement device 1200 wraps around the patient calf (302) and the second edge 1206 can only touch the range defined by the longitudinal boundaries of circumference measurement 1201, this means that the patient's calf circumference (303) is between nineteen and twenty-five inches and an extra large heel protector should be used. By contrast, if the measurement device 1200 is able to wrap around the patient calf (302) and be cinched such that the second edge 1206 can touch the range defined by the longitudinal boundaries of circumference measurement 1202, this means that the patient's calf circumference (303) is between eleven and nineteen inches and a standard heel protector should be used. Similarly, if the measurement device 1200 is able to wrap around the patient calf (302) and be cinched such that the second edge 1206 can touch the range defined by the longitudinal boundaries of circumference measurement 1203, this means that the patient's calf circumference (303) is between five and eleven inches and a petite heel protector should be used.

The measurement device 1200 of FIG. 12 offers other advantages as well. Since three ranges are defined by the boundaries of the circumference measurements 1201,1202,1203, the measurement device 1200 provides an indication, when the heel protector is not properly sized, of which other heel protector should be selected. Consider the situation where the measurement device 1200 accompanies a standard heel protector configured to fit a patient with a calf circumference (303) of between eleven and nineteen inches. If the measurement device 1200 is able to wrap around the patient calf (302) and be cinched such that the second edge 1206 can touch the range defined by the longitudinal boundaries of circumference measurement 1203, this means that the patient's calf circumference (303) is between five and eleven inches. Since the circumference measurement 1203 states “petite,” the health care services provider is immediately alerted to the fact that a petite heel protector should be used. Accordingly, in one or more embodiments, measurement devices configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure further indicate, when the patient leg calf circumference (303) fails to allow the leg engaging section (101) and the at least one fastener, when coupled to the complementary fastener, to define the interior circumference within the predefined range, whether a larger heel protector or a smaller heel protector would allow the leg engaging section (101) and the at least one fastener, when coupled to the complementary fastener, to define the circumference within the predefined range.

Turning now to FIG. 13, illustrated therein is another measurement device 1300 configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. Once again, the measurement device 1300 of FIG. 13 is configured to wrap about the leg of a patient. The measurement device 1300 is configured to indicate whether a patient leg calf circumference (303) will allow a leg engaging section (101) and at least one fastener of a heel protector (100), when the fastener is coupled to a complementary fastener of the heel protector (100), to define an internal circumference within a predefined range.

The measurement device 1300 has a major face, a first side edge 1305, and a second side edge 1306. To make things easier for the health care provider, a number of circumference measurements 1301,1302,1303 are provided along the face of the measurement device 1300. The circumference measurements 1301,1302,1303 indicate whether a patient leg calf circumference (303) will allow the leg engaging section (101) and the at least one fastener, e.g., fastening strap (105), when coupled to the complementary fastener disposed on panel (112), will define the interior circumference that within the predefined range. Additionally, the circumference measurements 1301,1302,1303 indicate that an interior circumference of between five and eleven inches is proper for a petite heel protector, an interior circumference of between eleven and nineteen inches is proper for a standard heel protector, and an interior circumference of between nineteen and twenty-five inches is proper for an extra large heel protector.

In this illustrative embodiment, each circumference measurement 1301,1302,1303 defines a measurement scale. For example, circumference measurement 1301 comprises two longitudinal boundaries: first edge 1305 and reference line 1307. These boundaries identify a range within which the second edge 1306 should position for the corresponding heel protector to provide an appropriate fit when the measurement device 1300 is wrapped about a patient calf (302) as shown in FIG. 3. Accordingly, when the measurement device 1300 is wrapped about the patient calf (302) and the second edge 1306 is pulled to abut the major face of the measurement device, the proper size of heel protector is indicated where by within which range the second edge 1306 contacts.

If, for example, the measurement device 1300 wraps around the patient calf (302) and the second edge 1306 can only touch the range defined by the longitudinal boundaries of circumference measurement 1301, this means that the patient's calf circumference (303) is between nineteen and twenty-five inches and an extra large heel protector should be used.

Turning now to FIG. 14, illustrated therein is another measurement device 1400 configured in accordance with one or more embodiments of the disclosure. Once again, the measurement device 1400 of FIG. 14 is configured to wrap about the leg of a patient. The measurement device 1400 is configured to indicate whether a patient leg calf circumference (303) will allow a leg engaging section (101) and at least one fastener of a heel protector (100), when the fastener is coupled to a complementary fastener of the heel protector (100), to define an internal circumference within a predefined range.

The measurement device 1400 has a major face, a first side edge 1405, and a second side edge 1406. To make things easier for the health care provider, a number of circumference measurements 1401,1402,1403 are provided along the face of the measurement device 1400. The circumference measurements 1401,1402,1403 indicate whether a patient leg calf circumference (303) will allow the leg engaging section (101) and the at least one fastener, e.g., fastening strap (105), when coupled to the complementary fastener disposed on panel (112), will define the interior circumference that within the predefined range. Additionally, the circumference measurements 1401,1402,1403 indicate that an interior circumference of between five and eleven inches is proper for a petite heel protector, an interior circumference of between eleven and nineteen inches is proper for a standard heel protector, and an interior circumference of between nineteen and twenty-five inches is proper for an extra large heel protector.

In this illustrative embodiment, each circumference measurement 1401,1402,1403 defines a measurement scale. For example, circumference measurement 1401 comprises two longitudinal boundaries: first edge 1405 and reference line 1407. The other circumference measurements 1402,1403 can be similarly configured. Circumference measurement 1402 would include reference line 1407 and another reference line, while circumference measurement 1403 would include the reference line shared with circumference measurement 1402 and the second edge 1406.

As before, these boundaries identify a range within which the second edge 1406 should position for the corresponding heel protector to provide an appropriate fit when the measurement device 1400 is wrapped about a patient calf (302) as shown in FIG. 3. Accordingly, when the measurement device 1400 is wrapped about the patient calf (302) and the second edge 1406 is pulled to abut the major face of the measurement device, the proper size of heel protector is indicated where by within which range the second edge 1406 contacts.

In this illustrative embodiment, the circumference measurements 1401,1402,1403 are color-coded. Circumference measurement 1401 is color-coded with a first color 1408 identifying the larger heel protector would allow the leg engaging section (101) and the at least one fastener to define an interior circumference within a predefined range of nineteen and twenty-five inches. Circumference measurement 1402 is color-coded with a second color 1409 identifying a middle-sized heel protector would allow the leg engaging section (101) and the at least one fastener to define an interior circumference within a predefined range of eleven and nineteen inches. Circumference measurement 1403 is color-coded with a third color 1410 identifying a smaller heel protector would allow the leg engaging section (101) and the at least one fastener to define an interior circumference within a predefined range of five and eleven inches.

In one or more embodiments, the first color 1408, the second color 1409, and the third color 1410 are different. In one or more embodiments, the heel protector material, the fastening straps, or other components of the heel protector could be color coded with one of the first color 1408, the second color 1409, or the third color 1410. Accordingly, the measurement device 1300 could function as a mnemonic device to indicate to a health care services provider which heel protector should be used by color. If, for example, the measurement device 1400 wraps around the patient calf (302) and the second edge 1406 can only touch the range defined by the longitudinal boundaries of circumference measurement 1401, this means that the patient's calf circumference (303) requires a heel protector that has the first color 1408.

Turning now to FIG. 15, illustrated therein are various embodiments of the disclosure. At 1501, a system comprises a package. At 1501, a heel protector is disposed within the package. At 1501, the heel protector comprises a leg engaging section defining a leg insertion aperture and a fastener coupled to a first side of the leg engaging section, where the fastener has a predefined length. At 1501, the heel protector has a complementary fastener coupled to a second side of the leg engaging section. At 1501, the complementary fastener couples to the fastener when the fastener spans the leg insertion aperture.

At 1501, the package comprises a measurement device. At 1501, the measurement device is incorporated into, but separable from, the package. At 1501, the measurement device indicates whether a patient leg, when inserted into the leg engaging section of the heel protector, will allow the fastener, when coupled to the complementary fastener, to span the leg insertion aperture with a span distance that is within a predefined span distance range.

At 1502, the package of 1501 comprises a box. At 1502, the measurement device is incorporated into a major face of the box such that the measurement device defines a portion of the major face. At 1503, the measurement device is coupled to other portions of the major face by a perforation.

At 1504, the package of 1501 comprises a box. At 1504, the measurement device is incorporated into a tab extending from a major face of the box. At 1505, the measurement device is coupled to the tab by a perforation.

At 1506, the package of 1501 comprises a drawstring bag. At 1506, the drawstring bag is cinchable by a drawstring. At 1506, the drawstring defines the measurement device.

At 1507, the package of 1501 comprises a thermoplastic bag. At 1507, the measurement device is incorporated into a major face of the thermoplastic bag such that the measurement device defines a portion of the major face.

At 1508, the package of 1501 comprises a thermoplastic bag. At 1501, the measurement device is incorporated into a tab extending from a major face of the thermoplastic bag.

At 1509, the measurement device of 1501 indicates whether a calf circumference of the patient leg, when the patient leg is inserted into the leg engaging section, will allow the fastener, when coupled to the complementary fastener, to span the leg insertion aperture with the span distance that is within a predefined span distance range. At 1510, the measurement device of 1509 indicates that the calf circumference is between five and eleven inches. At 1511, the measurement device of 1509 indicates that the calf circumference is between eleven and nineteen inches. At 1512, the measurement device of 1509 indicates that the calf circumference is between nineteen and twenty-five inches. At 1513, the predefined span distance range of 1509 is between one and six inches.

At 1514, a system comprises a package enclosing a heel protector. At 1514, the heel protector comprises a leg engaging section having at least one fastener spanning a leg insertion aperture to engage a complementary fastener such that the leg engaging section and the at least one fastener define a circumference within a predefined range.

At 1514, the package comprises a measurement device. At 1514, the measurement device is coupled to, but separable from, the package. At 1514, the measurement device indicates whether a patient leg calf circumference will allow the leg engaging section and the at least one fastener, when coupled to the complementary fastener, to define the circumference within the predefined range.

At 1515, the measurement device of 1514 is coupled to the package by a perforation, such that tearing the perforation separates the measurement device from the package. At 1516, the measurement device of 1515 further indicates, when the patient leg calf circumference fails to allow the leg engaging section and the at least one fastener, when coupled to the complementary fastener, to define the circumference within the predefined range, whether a larger heel protector or a smaller heel protector would allow the leg engaging section and the at least one fastener, when coupled to the complementary fastener, to define the circumference within the predefined range. At 1517, the measurement device of 1515 is color-coded, with a first color identifying the larger heel protector would allow the leg engaging section and the at least one fastener, when coupled to the complementary fastener, to define the circumference within the predefined range, and a second color identifying the smaller heel protector would allow the leg engaging section and the at least one fastener, when coupled to the complementary fastener, to define the circumference within the predefined range, wherein the first color and the second color are different.

At 1518, a system comprises a package enclosing a heel protector. At 1518, the heel protector comprises a leg engaging section. At 1518, the package comprises a measurement device, coupled to but separable from the package. At 1518, the measurement device indicates whether the leg engaging section of the heel protector will fit a patient leg calf. At 1518, the measurement device is separable from the package without opening the package.

At 1519, the measurement device of 1518 is incorporated into a tab extending from a major face of the package. At 1520, a second package encloses at least two packages enclosing heel protectors and comprising the measurement device.

In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been described. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the claims below. Thus, while preferred embodiments of the disclosure have been illustrated and described, it is clear that the disclosure is not so limited. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the following claims. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of present disclosure. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system, comprising: a package; a heel protector disposed within the package, the heel protector comprising: a leg engaging section defining a leg insertion aperture; a fastener coupled to a first side of the leg engaging section, the fastener having a predefined length; and a complementary fastener coupled to a second side of the leg engaging section, the complementary fastener coupling to the fastener when the fastener spans the leg insertion aperture; and a measurement device, incorporated into but separable from the package, the measurement device indicating whether a patient leg, when inserted into the leg engaging section, will allow the fastener, when coupled to the complementary fastener, to span the leg insertion aperture with a span distance that is within a predefined span distance range.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the package comprises a box, wherein the measurement device is incorporated into a major face of the box such that the measurement device defines a portion of the major face.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the measurement device is coupled to other portions of the major face by a perforation.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the package comprises a box, wherein the measurement device is incorporated into a tab extending from a major face of the box.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the measurement device is coupled to the tab by a perforation.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the package comprises a drawstring bag cinchable by a drawstring, wherein the drawstring defines the measurement device.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the package comprises a thermoplastic bag, wherein the measurement device is incorporated into a major face of the thermoplastic bag such that the measurement device defines a portion of the major face.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the package comprises a thermoplastic bag, wherein the measurement device is incorporated into a tab extending from a major face of the thermoplastic bag.
 9. The system of claim 1, the measurement device indicating whether a calf circumference of the patient leg, when the patient leg is inserted into the leg engaging section, will allow the fastener, when coupled to the complementary fastener, to span the leg insertion aperture with the span distance that is within a predefined span distance range.
 10. The system of claim 9, the measurement device indicating that the calf circumference is between five and eleven inches.
 11. The system of claim 9, the measurement device indicating that the calf circumference is between eleven and nineteen inches.
 12. The system of claim 9, the measurement device indicating that the calf circumference is between nineteen and twenty-five inches.
 13. The measurement device of claim 9, wherein the predefined span distance range is between one and six inches.
 14. A system, comprising: a package enclosing a heel protector, the heel protector comprising a leg engaging section having at least one fastener spanning a leg insertion aperture to engage a complementary fastener such that the leg engaging section and the at least one fastener define a circumference within a predefined range; a measurement device, coupled to but separable from the package, the measurement device indicating whether a patient leg calf circumference will allow the leg engaging section and the at least one fastener, when coupled to the complementary fastener, to define the circumference within the predefined range.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the measurement device is coupled to the package by a perforation, such that tearing the perforation separates the measurement device from the package.
 16. The system of claim 14, the measurement device further indicating, when the patient leg calf circumference fails to allow the leg engaging section and the at least one fastener, when coupled to the complementary fastener, to define the circumference within the predefined range, whether a larger heel protector or a smaller heel protector would allow the leg engaging section and the at least one fastener, when coupled to the complementary fastener, to define the circumference within the predefined range.
 17. The system of claim 17, wherein the measurement device is color-coded, with a first color identifying the larger heel protector would allow the leg engaging section and the at least one fastener, when coupled to the complementary fastener, to define the circumference within the predefined range, and a second color identifying the smaller heel protector would allow the leg engaging section and the at least one fastener, when coupled to the complementary fastener, to define the circumference within the predefined range, wherein the first color and the second color are different.
 18. A system, comprising: a package enclosing a heel protector comprising a leg engaging section; and a measurement device, coupled to but separable from the package, the measurement device indicating whether the leg engaging section will fit a patient leg calf; wherein the measurement device is separable from the package without opening the package.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the measurement device is incorporated into a tab extending from a major face of the package.
 20. The system of claim 19, further comprising a second package, the second package enclosing at least two packages enclosing heel protectors and comprising the measurement device. 